This litany was used for the 2010 Pentecost worship service at our church. That service was held the same weekend as the local high school’s graduation ceremony, making the theme especially meaningful as graduates seek God’s guidance for the future.
Song: “Dwell in Me, O Blessed Spirit” PsH 427
Reader 1: This is God’s Word from Acts 2:1-4: “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
Reader 2: The attributes of the blessed Holy Spirit are many. The Spirit is our help, our gracious teacher, our comforter, encourager, and advisor. The Spirit works to guide us in the decisions we make and the things we do.
Congregation: For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. (Ps. 48:14)
Reader 1: We need the Holy Spirit as our guide throughout our lives. At this time of year we especially think of high school and college graduates who are seeking God’s wisdom about what field of study or work to pursue.
Reader 2: Parents also need the Holy Spirit’s guidance in raising their children to love and fear the Lord. And we all need the Holy Spirit to teach us how to live in ways that please and honor God.
Congregation: Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. (Ps. 143:10)
Reader 1: In the Old Testament, God led the Israelites in an immediate and clear way. By day, God went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud and by night in a pillar of fire.
Reader 2: Today God’s power and wisdom continue to guide us through the Spirit’s fire and the light of God’s holy Word.
Congregation: Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me. (Ps. 43:3)
Reader 1: Are you wrestling with decisions and choices in your life? Are you longing for a how-to manual for dealing with a strong-willed child? Are you wondering whether you should make a career change or a housing change? Are you praying about some other life choice?
Reader 2: Through God’s Word, the leading of the Holy Spirit, and the counsel of wise believers, God will guide you in your decisions. God speaks to us every day; we only need to open our ears to his voice.
All: Holy Spirit, we seek your leading in our lives today. Help us to live by the Spirit and keep in step with the Spirit. We need your guidance and help to truly follow the way of Christ and obey him in everything we do. Guide us in your truth and teach us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Reader 1: God the Holy Spirit is wonderful in counsel and magnificent in wisdom, guiding the humble in what is right and teaching them God’s way. (based on Ps. 25:9)
Song: “Lead Me, Guide Me Along the Way” PsH 544, SFL 220,WR 498